Sandringham has recorded consecutive wins under lights, handling the night conditions superbly to record a 67-point win over Collingwood at the Holden Centre.
It’s been a dominant fortnight for the Zebras, who now sit fifth on the VFL ladder following a combined winning margin of 121-points on the road against both Richmond and Collingwood respectively.
It was a free flowing contest from the first bounce, with a quick brand of football on display in a high scoring first term that netted six goals between the two sides.
The quarter time break saw the visitors take a slight two-point lead, but this was to be the closest margin all night.
A four goal to nil second term in favour of the Zebras separated the two sides, much to the delight of the visiting coaching staff.
The Pies hit back after half-time, kicking the first two goals of the third term and four for the quarter, before the Zebras settled things down to maintain advantage and a 23-point buffer at the last change.
The Zebras didn’t rest on that three quarter time lead, shifting up another gear with a dominant six goal to nothing final quarter to blow the Magpies away on their home deck.
Midfielders Kade Answerth (30 disposals, 1 goal) and Eli Templeton (33 disposals, 15 marks, 1 goal) gained plenty of traction to dominate through the middle of the ground, along with defensive general Tom Lee (16 disposals, 12 marks) who again controlled proceedings from the back half.
Fresh from a week off, St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin (21 disposals, 13 marks, 2 goals) got involved and Cam Shenton (21 disposals, 3 goals) assisted well with his six shots at goal and pressure around the contest.
Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was pleased with how well the Zebras finished the game but also mentioned the tough couple weeks coming up before the second bye.
“A really good effort to win as well as we did, to start and also finish well was really pleasing also,” Hudson told saints.com.au.
“Our focus areas for Collingwood was to win the clearances and hold them to eight goals, which we achieved.
“Our challenge is to take it one step further now and put together four quarters of that dominant brand we’ve been able to execute in quarters throughout the season.
“Kade Answerth is a really good story for us, given he was the 23rd man for our first few games and has been able to cement his spot since then. His disposal count was the most its been tonight and he’s a quality young man with a high level of professionalism.
“Tom Lee was tremendous, Eli Templeton’s work rate and run was first class, while Paddy McCartin was terrific taking 13 marks and influencing the game.
“We really want to pride ourselves on the next two weeks (Casey Scorpions and Werribee to come) with a bye after that, so it’s a crucial time of the season to set ourselves up for a run in the finals race.”
Sandringham are back at home in Round 6, hosting the Casey Scorpions at Trevor Barker Beach Oval next Saturday from 2pm.
SCOREBOARD
COLLINGWOOD 3.1 3.3 7.5 7.5 (47)
SANDRINGHAM 3.3 7.7 10.10 16.18 (114)
GOALS: Shenton 3, Dennis-Lane 3, Kreymborg 2, McCartin 2, Simpkin, Answerth, Cook, Templeton, Curren, Lok.
BEST: Answerth, Shenton, McCartin, Lee, Templeton.
At Holden Centre.
